Trey Hendrickson drawing interest from Bengals

NFL free agency is here, and now we finally have some positive news to report with the Cincinnati Bengals.

According to ESPN reporter Josina Anderson, the Bengals are now in the mix for free agent pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson. She adds that the New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns are also in pursuit of the New Orleans Saints defender.

There was a report earlier today that the Bengals could pursue Hendrickson, who finished 2020 with a 72.1 Pro Football Focus grade.

It’s unclear if the Bengals are pursuing Hendrickson ‘and’ trying to re-sign pass-rusher Carl Lawson, or if this is a situation where the Bengals only want Hendrickson if they’re unable to keep Lawson.

Either way, Hendrickson would be a big signing for the Bengals, who desperately need to come out of free agency with an impact pass-rusher.

A fifth-year player in 2021, Hendrickson racked up a career-high 13.5 sacks to go with 25 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 25 QB hits, and one forced fumble this past season. Previously, just 6.5 sacks, 40 tackles, six tackles for loss, 18 QB hits, and two forced fumbles in his first three seasons, making him less of a proven commodity than Lawson.

Because he’s only got one good season under his belt, Hendrickson will probably sign for less than what Lawson ultimately gets. Perhaps that will make it possible for the Bengals to get both and have one heck of a pass-rushing tandem.

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